“The kids get to be around a lot of positive influences,” he said. “They get to hang out around a lot of other kids, too, they might not see during the school year.”

While the Y program can’t replace the school experience, it does give families an effective option as the strike continues.

That’s some comfort on the ninth day of the strike. Teachers returned to the picket line on Thursday in a contract stalemate. There’s gratitude for community groups that are stepping up to serve families.

“We’re encouraging the community to keep up with these programs to keep the kids going, active and fed,” said Luan Statham, Galesburg Education Association negotiator.

Since nobody knows when classes will return in Galesburg, kids must wait to resume that regular routine. That’s a goal for everybody.

“Our goal is to adopt what the community needs,” Sampson said. “And this time, this is what they need.”